'Don't ask, don't tell': Senate vote reaction

By
Ed O'Keefe

Reaction to Saturday's votes on a bill to end the military's "don't ask, don't tell":

President Obama:

"Today, the Senate has taken an historic step toward ending a policy that undermines our national security while violating the very ideals that our brave men and women in uniform risk their lives to defend. By ending "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," no longer will our nation be denied the service of thousands of patriotic Americans forced to leave the military, despite years of exemplary performance, because they happen to be gay. And no longer will many thousands more be asked to live a lie in order to serve the country they love.

"As Commander-in-Chief, I am also absolutely convinced that making this change will only underscore the professionalism of our troops as the best led and best trained fighting force the world has ever known. And I join the Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, as well as the overwhelming majority of service members asked by the Pentagon, in knowing that we can responsibly transition to a new policy while ensuring our military strength and readiness.

"I want to thank Majority Leader Reid, Senators Lieberman and Collins and the countless others who have worked so hard to get this done. It is time to close this chapter in our history. It is time to recognize that sacrifice, valor and integrity are no more defined by sexual orientation than they are by race or gender, religion or creed. It is time to allow gay and lesbian Americans to serve their country openly. I urge the Senate to send this bill to my desk so that I can sign it into law."

Senate Majority Leader Harry M. Reid (D-Nev.):

"We are on the verge of ending 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' for good. This is one of those moments in our history when we stepped up and squared our policies with the values this nation was founded upon. I applaud those Republicans who have joined us to repeal this policy, and hope that even more will join us on the right side of history when we complete our work, and end 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell.'

"I have supported repealing this policy for many years. The Defense Department has asked Congress to promptly repeal 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell,' to prevent the policy from bouncing around in the courts. Throughout its history, our military has shown a remarkable ability to adapt to change, and our military leaders have advised us that this change is both important and necessary.

"I commend the leadership of Chairman Levin, Senator Lieberman, Senator Collins and others, whose tireless efforts to repeal this policy have helped to make this day possible."

Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council:

"Today is a tragic day for our armed forces. The American military exists for only one purpose - to fight and win wars. Yet it has now been hijacked and turned into a tool for imposing on the country a radical social agenda. This may advance the cause of reshaping social attitudes regarding human sexuality, but it will only do harm to the military's ability to fulfill its mission.

"It is shameful that the Democratic leadership, aided by Republican Senators, has forced through such a radical change in a lame-duck session of Congress. The 1993 law which is to be repealed was adopted only after months of debate and at least a dozen Congressional hearings. The repeal has been forced through only eighteen days after the Pentagon released a massive report, which raised more questions than it answered on the impact the overturning of this policy will have on our nation's military.

"It is clear why this was done: not to enhance the military's ability to accomplish its mission or to enhance national security. Rather, it is a political payoff to a tiny, but loud and wealthy, part of the Democratic base. They knew that the Congress elected last month would never adopt such legislation - certainly not without a more thoughtful and deliberative process.

"We thank Senators John McCain, James Inhofe, Jeff Sessions and Jim DeMint, as well as all of those who voted to support our troops over advancing a liberal social agenda. These senators fought hard for our men and women in uniform, and their efforts will not be forgotten."

Joe Solomonese, president of the Human Rights Campaign:

"Today, America lived up to its highest ideals of freedom and equality. Congress recognized that all men and women have the right to openly serve their country. Plenty of people had already planned the funeral for this legislation. Today, we pulled out a victory from what was almost certain defeat just a few days ago. We are grateful to President Obama, Majority Leader Reid and Sens. Lieberman, Collins and countless others for their dogged determination to repeal DADT."

Servicemembers United Executive Director Alexander Nicholson:

"This vote represents an historic step forward for this country, and it will very likely be a life-changing moment for gay and lesbian troops.

"While we still have a long road ahead, including a final passage vote, the certification process, and a yet-to-be-determined implementation period, those who defend our freedom while living in fear for their careers will finally breathe a sigh of relief tonight, and those who have fallen victim to this policy in years past will finally begin to see true closure and redemption on the horizon."

Interfaith Alliance President Rev. Dr. C. Welton Gaddy:

"I am thrilled that we are on the verge of repealing the military's 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy. As I have asserted from the start of this debate, repealing 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' will not have an impact, let alone a negative impact, on the religious and individual freedoms of the men and women in our armed forces or the chaplains who serve them. I am pleased that Members of Congress have shown a surprisingly strong interest in religious freedom and individual rights for all people. Thankfully, our representatives recognized these liberties will not be adversely affected by the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," and refused to allow a small, but vocal, minority's deceptive arguments to the contrary to sway their vote on this critical issue.

"I look forward to seeing President Obama sign this legislation and to the military finally taking steps to allow all Americans to serve their country openly and with integrity regarding their identity. Repealing 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' is a step forward in equality and justice for all Americans."

Palm Center Director Aaron Belkin:

"When President Obama signs repeal legislation, he will pave the way for the U.S. to join its NATO allies in allowing gays and lesbians to serve openly. It has long been clear that there is no evidence that lifting the ban will undermine the military, and no reason to fear the transition to inclusive policy.

"Research shows that moving quickly is one of the keys to a successful transition. If the President and military leadership quickly certify the end of 'don't ask, don't tell,' they will ensure an orderly transition with minimal disruption."

OutServe Co-Director "J.D. Smith":

"Today's vote by the Senate is a step forward for America. Today our military is stronger, our nation is stronger, and we are closer than ever to the day when our integrity will no longer be compromised. The vote to proceed to cloture on the repeal of the law barring honest military service by lesbian and gay soldiers is a victory for the thousands of lesbian and gay troops currently serving and a tribute to lesbian and gay veterans and those who have lost their lives defending our country.

"OutServe looks forward to the day that repeal of this law is signed by our Commander in Chief and we can all begin to serve openly and honestly. We will remove the cloud that hangs over our gay and lesbian troops and live in a world where constantly worrying about losing everything we work and live for could be in jeopardy will finally end. As we await the implementation of repeal, expected to happen over the next year, OutServe is sensitive to the needs of our active duty troops and will remain a partner in making that transition smooth. There will come a moment when it will finally be completely safe to 'come out' and OutServe will be there to support the troops - gay and straight - when that day comes, hopefully soon.

"There are so many people and organizations to whom OutServe is grateful as we celebrate being one step closer to equality. We won today's vote because of the leadership of President Obama and our military leaders that have advocated for repeal. Our deepest thanks go to all of the organizations and individuals who have worked tirelessly for nearly 20 years. And our deepest thanks and admiration go to the troops discharged under DADT and proud veterans who sacrificed so much to educate the public and affect change at the policy level."

Third Way President Jon Cowan:

"With today's passage of Don't Ask, Don't Tell repeal, we have taken an historic step towards ensuring that all Americans are welcomed into the institutions and traditions that make our country strong. Congress has recognized what military leaders, the men and women who wear the uniform, and the American people had already come to accept: that we need every qualified, patriotic, and courageous American who is willing to put their life on the line to protect our security and our values.

:We applaud the leadership of President Obama, the Secretary of Defense, and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs who have spoken so eloquently about the values of our military, like integrity, which are better served by ending Don't Ask, Don't Tell. We are confident that our armed forces -- unmatched in both strength and professionalism--will be able to carry out the careful transition laid out in the Pentagon Working Group Report."

I agree with emcglaughlin. It's time to stop treating bigots as mainstream. The same way you would not ask KKK to react to a civil rights measure favorable to minorities they hate, you should not reach to Tony Perkins for his all-predictable reactions. Btw, McCain stating that soldiers in Walter Reed lost their limbs because of the gays in the military is not mainstream either...

This is our country too. Moreover, the national security will immediately improve. 84% of Marines who served with someone they knew or believed to be gay or lesbian have no objection to this change. More than 13,000 soldiers dismissed, including some 800 highly specialized and hard-to-replace personnel, and some 10% of the foreign-language specialists, were lost due to this policy, now ended.

Hail to the end of state-sanctioned bigotry. Poor John McCain seemed more like Archie Bunker than a US Senator today.

Tony Perkins keeps harping on the repeal of DADT imposing a radical social agenda. Does he consider Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom and Uruguay, all countries in which gays are allowed to serve openly, countries with radical social agendas? Today we should all be proud that our country is finally taking this historic step.

Way to go Congress....treating the military like a corporation will start you down a very slippery slope...it is NOT a corporation. In a corporation, openly gay and lesbian workers are valued additions to the workforce. At the end of their productive day, everyone returns to their respective "lifestyles." In the military, you may well end the day and proceed to your shared quarters and shower facilities with your openly gay or lesbian coworker. BOHICA.

I'm glad they put Tony Perkin's comments in here. As the pentagon study for repealing DADT showed, Perkins and his cronies are increasingly out of touch with the majority of Americans. His comments here should be embarrassing to him - someday they will be.

Tony Perkins and those like are very disturbed people. They fail to realize or even comprehend that when the rights of one are threatened the rights of all are diminished. If we leave the US in the hands of Republicans we'd soon have no freedoms.

I'd normally agree that we didn't need to hear from the opponents of LGT civil rights (why no B? They can hide) but this is really a wonderful opportunity to shine a bright light on the bigotry -- and yes, hate -- that people like Tony Perkins and groups like the Family Research people have for people who don't follow their ultra-orthodox view of the world. Exactly, Maddogg -- who will they go after next if we let them control the government?

NO,NO,NO,NO! This isn't a victory for defeating DADT! If this bill passes it will bypass a Supreme Court Vote on it that could end the discrimination immediately! It also gives the Pentagon an indefinite timeline for implementation for the policy because it allows the Pentagon the authority to implement the policy on it's timeline under the conditions that it feels that it right to do so based on when it feels that it would be accepted by military personnel. NOT THE AMERICAN VOTING PUBLIC. Congress just stripped gays of confronting this in front of the Supreme Court and gave the military an indefinite timeline to stall this. This isn't a victory for gay people! It's a major setback and anyone within the gay community that doesn't recognize this is naive!!! Ask yourselves, What has this really accomplished?!!!! Congress just circumsized any true justice that could have been concretely beaten through the Supreme Court.

I'll admit, I'm thrilled with todays vote and grateful to the Senate for repealing this discrimina­tory law. However, we shouldn't pat ourselves on the back too much and claim this is a referendum on the greatness of America.

Jim,
I totally see your point and understand your frustration. I want to encourage you not to worry so much about certification. Sec Gates and Adm Mullen are committed to this and I am confident they won't allow the services to stall. I predict this will take 6 months. Others are predicting a year. In the mean time, lawsuits are still ongoing.
As a lesbian and an active duty officer for over 16 years (damn it's nice to put that in writing), I understand first-hand why this needs to be an orderly transition not an overnight chaotic judicial fiat. It really would cause disruption. This way the disruption will be minimal and mitigated. Have faith...we won today!

As a former corpsman in the Navy and Marines, I'm glad that I don't have to share a bunk, get dressed in front of, or shower with some guy checking me out. If you're going to allow this, then why not have coed barracks where everybody can just have one big party. You don't see any other member of the animal kingdom, of which we are a member, exhibiting this kind of behavior. We seem to think as humans we can just thumb our nose at all normal rules of decorum. I'm disgusted with this vote, and my fellow man.

First thing out of Gates' "Working Group" was about the showers ~ they've decided that they don't want to stigmatize homosexuality so gays and straights must be forced to shower together NO MATTER WHAT.

Apparently they intend to punish soldiers who refuse to go along with this.

So much for that not being the INTENTION.

Hmm.

So gay and their funny little friends tell lies about sex ~ who'd a thunk that.

How many of you would intentionally throw your loved one under a bus! Remember this question!!! We all talk of social equality, civil rights, fairness!!!!. Let's talk practical for just aecond. You are a platoon sargent. The best point man in your sqwuad is your lover. You are going down a path where you are sure to ambushed as u have been several times beforel. You tell some private to get on the point (lead man) you lover says dear you know I am the best point man u have and you refuse to put him in the dangerous spot because you fear for his life. So the lives of the other 15 men are now more in peril because your best is bringing up the rear. While many would have you believe the military must mirror the general society, it plays by a whole different set of rules called the UCMJ. You give up many rights when u enter the military. I am a 26 year veteran and believe this will be prejudial to good or and discipline. Finally they say we must know our history or we are doomed to repeat it. Look at what happened to the roman army towards the end. I have nothing against gays. Next I presume ladies will want all the combat poitions as well pregnant or not. This is a sad day for our military and our country

Just had to ram it down our throats. I am glad I am no longer active duty. One thing I really worry about is our Christian chaplins and how this will affect them. When this policy goes into affect there will be a backlash if they try to preach the true word of God. And before any of you say God is a God of love - yes he is - He loves all but he hates sin and homosexuality is a sin to according to God's Word.. Our chaplins will not be able to preach this.

Another troubling aspect is that it will not be long before it crosses over to our churches that truly believe in the Bible and the pastors will not be able to preach the truth without the fear of being charged with a hate crime. For those of you that have listed the other NATO countries as allowing open homosexuality this is already happening in many of those countries. Mark my words, this will happen once the democrats again have control over the house and the senate at the same time. Freedom to practice religion will begin to erode.

I predict a draft coming back as many have already said they will resign as soon as they can and many will not reenlist. There will be many that will not enlist. Our power hungry politicians have just opened the proverbial pandora's box!

I expect a barrage of rebuttals but I stand by my posting. Let me close by adding these last comments. I in no way dislike homosexuals. I do not like their sexual practices. I've had many come to me and ask how to leave the homosexual lifestyle as they said they knew what they were in was a pervision of humanity.

You are factually correct! However, I believe Mokie was trying to make the point that he should expect what would be consideree "normal" behavior from his fellow human beings and used the animal kingdom as an example. Homosexual, behavior in the animal kingdom--while it exists is not the norm!!!

You are doing the same thing that you are accusing Tony Perkins of. What people like Tony are espousing is biblical truths in love and homosexuals and many others cannot stand that. It appears that you are among the others.

But think about this, the day his speech is made illegal, the posting you have just made will become illegal also or have you forgotten the 1st admendment? Our rights, as we have know them for so long, are beginning to erode. Next week the FCC commissioners will be voting on control of the internet after it did not pass in our houses of legislature. If that happens what's next? Big Brother is slowly creeping in with the current administration.

Let's see now, 1 of 5 (20%) male homosexuals that the military pool will be comprised of are infected with HIV, or have full blown AIDS. Only Obama and this congress would acquire fruit that was twenty percent rotten.

Homosexuality is not a sin according to the Bible. Scholars who have studied the Bible in context of the times and in relation to other passages have shown those passages (Leviticus, Corinthians, Romans, etc) have nothing to do with homosexuality. These passages often cherry-picked while ignoring the rest of the Bible. The sins theses passages are referring to are idolatry, prostitution, and rape, not homosexuality.

Homosexuality is not a choice. Just like you don't choose the color of your skin, you cannot choose whom you are sexually attracted to. If you can, sorry, but you are not heterosexual, you are bi-sexual. Virtually all major psychological and medical experts agree that sexual orientation is NOT a choice. Most gay people will tell you its not a choice. Common sense will tell you its not a choice. While science is relatively new to studying homosexuality, studies tend to indicate that its biological.

There is overwhelming scientific evidence that homosexuality is not a choice. Sexual orientation is generally a biological trait that is determined pre-natally, although there is no one certain thing that explains all of the cases. "Nurture" may have some effect, but for the most part it is biological.

And it should also be noted that:
"It is worth noting that many medical and scientific organizations do believe it is impossible to change a person's sexual orientation and this is displayed in a statement by American Academy of Pediatrics, American Counseling Association, American Association of School Administrators, American Federation of Teachers, American Psychiatric Association, American Psychological Association, American School Health Association, Interfaith Alliance Foundation, National Association of School Psychologists, National Association of Social Workers, and National Education Association."

The National Library of Medicine pubs confirm that sexual orientation is natural, biologically induced in the first trimester of pregnancy, morally neutral, immutable, neither contagious nor learned, bearing no relation to an individuals ability to form deep and lasting relationships, to parent children, to work or to contribute to society.

From the American Psychological Association: homosexuality is normal; homosexual relationships are normal.

The American Academy of Pediatrics, American Psychological Asociation and American Psychiatric Asociation have endorsed civil marriage for same-sex couples because marriage strengthens mental and physical health and longevity of couples, and provides greater legal and financial security for children, parents and seniors.

Now that this has happened they will have to reverse all discharges due to the "Don't ask don't tell" policy. Any laws like this that get past are subject to retroactive effects. This will flood the military with people causing more financial stress. I know from serving in the Navy they found that gay men could not serve aboard submarines or in close quarters, a few investigations showed the men were nearly beaten to death. The reason for the attacks were brought on by then GAY men because they tried making sexual advances on the other men. They will never be able to get married if they join the military.

@DCNYHUNTER You have no clue what you are talking about. I served with Marines on several bases and they disapprove of GAY'S in the military. It's obvious of your sexual orientation. You need to check your facts because I review all the discharges that have happened since the policy took place and it created morale problems in all branches of service.

You can be discharged from the military for violating that policy because it still has to pass review and since I hold several thousand reports of conflicts concerning gays in the military on my server which I plan to send to the military advisors. It will get bounced back. The clause they put into the law is if it won't cause any adverse affect it will be implemented but if it does it will never be implemented. They can track your account and where you login into this and find out who you really are.

Good One. That is why when your in the military and you have a relationship with another service member it is frowned upon. In fact if you are involved with someone in your unit and you don't inform your chain of command you can be disciplined.

Tony Perkins at least has the gaul to stand up for what the majority of Americans believe in! Yesterday's policy shift is an embarsement for the United States and the ideals and principles that it stands upon. Our nation's armed forces are intended to provide national defense. Therefore, the Armed Forces ideally comprise a force designed to wage war against foreign enemies that threaten our nation's interests instead of a social experiment to further mainstream the homosexual life styles.

Before 1973, homosexuality was correctly classified by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) as a mental illness (sexual identity disorder) albeit a mental illness that is extremely complex and affected by numerous environmental as well as social factors. It was only declassified as a mental disease after an persistent amount of political pressure was placed on the APA as a result of the then infantile gay rights movement.

It never ceases to astound me that so many people in American society want to simply tolerate and legitimize open sexual degeneracy in our society as if it was something to be embraced and celebrated. Social progressives should take a long hard look at the society that we are bequething to our children. Is this a decent society? Is this a society worth rasing a family in? Or this society the rotten filthy cess pool that we have allowed it to become?

Take note, there was a time in the this country when morality was firmly secured in our political system and our homes. There was a time when the First Amendment did not protect pornographers. There was time before the institution of marriage was defiled by no-fault divorce. There was a time before Larwence v. Texas (2003) when sodomy laws existed. There was a time that America did not look like an episode of the Jerry Springer Show. Sadly, those days are dead, because social progressives under the auspices of individual "freedom and equality" killed them. Well if this is what you call "freedom and equality" you can stick where the sun don't shine.

to deadnowalive:
"You are doing the same thing that you are accusing Tony Perkins of. What people like Tony are espousing is biblical truths in love and homosexuals and many others cannot stand that. It appears that you are among the others."

Sorry, my post was meant to be sarcastic towards that guy who was whining about Tony Perkin's comments being included. So I suggested it be illegal to print statements against the gay agenda so people like him won't be upset by something they read.

According to the Post one in five homosexuals have HIV/AID's the repeal of this law will remove all restraints on this type of risky behavior exposing our troops to this dreadful disease in addition to the war injuries. Also what happens if the proud homosexuals start showing their gay pride too much and causes a fight, is this a hate crime? Can you say that you are against same sex marriage without being accused of a hate crime? How soon will the military start allowing or gay pride parades? What's wrong with serving our country and keeping your mouth shut.

Dear Ed,
I'm a military wife.
In 1992, I attended the Democratic National Convention when Bill Clinton, in his acceptance speech, announced that he would, if elected, order open service for gays in the military.
My husband, serving in the Reserves at the time, was back at our hotel room and when I returned after the convention session ended, said to me (he'd been watching the proceedings on TV) "your boy" (i.e., Clinton -- I was a Paul Tsongas delegate) will not get away with this change.
He said it worked against "unit cohesion".
His pronouncement caught me flat-footed.
Explain "unit cohesion", said I.
And we got into it.
Now basically, I'm against any form of discrimination of civil rights because it tends to drive people with issues underground, which makes it difficult to cope with an issue, whether it's discrimination against gays or against people of color or whether it's against women or Asians or Latinos (who might be illegal, since their last name has a Spanish origin, don'cha know).
To my amazement, by the time of the November election, 6 months later, my husband's attitude toward this issue had taken a 180-degree turnaround and he supported Clinton's policy.
The reason he changed his view was that during that 6 months, he became aware of the blatant discrimination practiced against gays both in the military and out, and the damage it heaped on serving troops and decorated heroes, going back to Vietnam and Korea.
He watched an interview with former Col. Grethe Cammermeyer, Bronze Star recipient for her service in Vietnam, who was drummed out of the service because she answered a question during a security examination.
We both agreed DADT wouldn't work.
We never thought that witch-hunt policy would last this long.
Nobody discusses what dismissal of a valued unit commander or team leader due to DADT does to the unit, to morale and cohesion.
There is no question that when such a dismissal occurs, it often compels the next commander to bear down severely on the unit, in case the departed leader was known to be gay and protected by silence within the unit.
Everybody comes under suspicion, in that case.
Nobody talks about THAT; suspicion has such a grand effect on "unit cohesion", as my husband often points out.
One of the many reasons the Germans lost the 2nd World War was their relentless pursuit of genocide against the Jews, diverting needed military resources to the rounding up and transport of Jews to concentration camps, while their military went without needed resources at the various battles in which they engaged.
When President Obama signs the bill into law, the witch hunt comes to a halt immediately.
They need to invite all 13K who left the service the opportunity to reenlist, if they so desire.
My husband, a military brat who served for more than 33 years himself, is very, very pleased.

It"s truly a sad day for our country. My husband is a retired army colonel who had the good sense to retire before Obummer was selected. I'm thankful that our family is out of the PC homosexual army and most of all that our children won't have to deal with this. Our son, who is about to become an Eagle Scout, has decided not to follow in his father's footsteps and choose a military career. That makes my husband very sad, but our son made the right decision. Our son would have made a fine officer. I support his decision. He appreciates our freedom more than most people because he was born in Russia. We will never advise anyone else to join the military and we won't let any military recruiter near our children.

We fought the good fight as long and as well as we could. Now it's time to let the homosexuals have the military. When they destroy it (which probably won't take very long) maybe we can disband it and start over. It's time for all straight soldiers to leave the military. Admiral Mullen, Secretary Gates and General Petraeus' top NCO have all said that everybody who doesn't like the new rules should leave. I agree. But when they find out how many people really will leave, they probably won't let anybody leave. Then those who want out will have to file a lawsuit to get out. Good luck keeping the ranks filled when most people are rushing to get out and no one is volunteering to join. This will result in Congress having to consider bringing back the draft. If you think the voters are mad now, just wait until their sons start getting drafted into the new homosexual military against their will. Demoncrats will be voted out for the next 100 years.

My husband fired two homosexuals during his last command tour. One of them told the other soldiers to ignore an order to prepare for deployment. The other one attacked another male soldier and was in the process of getting beaten to death by the other soldiers in the unit when a couple of NCOs had mercy on him and decided to save him. He went to prison and received a dishonorable discharge. He is lucky to be alive. Similar incidents will happen when homosexuals try to proposition straight soldiers. My husband's best friend is a colonel who was on the list to be promoted to general. But he has decided to retire over this issue instead.

I think the chaplain corps is going to end up resigning. But the liberal demoncrats won't be able to stop Christians from having church services. If they try to close our churches we will just meet in private homes.

Sorry, I hate to throw cold water on all of the gay euphoria, but gays serving openly in the military will hurt recruiting and retention. You can't compare US service members with their European and Canadian counterparts. It isn't bigotry. The average American serviceman and woman believes that a homosexual lifestyle is immoral, and they will not want to remain in close quarters with cohorts whose lifestyle they find disgusting. With the passage of this legislation, young straight women will now be open prey to lesbian NCO's who will increasingly put more and more pressure on the young ladies to perform for them during off duty hours. These young women will leave the service in droves. I think that to a lesser extent, the same thing will happen to straight males. The Senators who voted for the repeal of DADT and have never served in our armed forces are clueless about military life in the barracks. Quality begets quality. I fear this vote opened up more than Pandora's box. Over time it will have a grave impact on force readiness and manpower. I find it hard to believe that the Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs have become so detached from pulse of our service members to think they can turn the Armed Forces into a laboratory of social experimentation, and for what--sodomy?

sherrimae: I'm the president of the united states. See i can lie too. Stop making up stories to condone your bigotry. They already polled the military and majority of them supported the repeal of dont ask dont tell. Majority of Americans support repeal. Majority of the government supports repeal. You are in the minority now. Have respect for those that are fighting for your freedom, even if your freedom involves being a bigot.

You're delusional if you think homosexuals "have the military" Homosexuals are everywhere. Your work, your grocery store, your co-workers, your friends, even within your family. I laugh at people who think homosexuals will "Destroy" the military. They've already been in there prior to repeal, and the military has been doing fine. They are free to serve in numerous other countries, and those militaries had no change.

Times are changing. You are already in the minority when it comes to gays serving in the military. Most people support it. And in 10-20 years, you will be in the minority in regards to gay marriage, when the younger, smarter generation takes over the voting blocks.

berryf: Your post exhibits so much ignorance, i don't know where to begin. Let's start with the bigotry part. If you vote or try to keep gays out of the military, that is bigotry my friend. It's intolerance, discrimination, and hatred. Having an opinion in itself though is not bigotry, but doesn't excuse you from being a hater and homophobic.

Studies have already been done by the military itself, and all the evidence shows gays serving does nothing to harm the military. Further evidence of this numerous countries around the world allow gays and lesbians to serve, and their militaries are doing normal as before. And why exactly can't you compare them to europeans and canadians? Because it proves you wrong?

Onto your next point. Actually, the last Gallup poll shows majority of Americans do not think homosexuality is immoral. A huge majority of those under 30 years old do not think it's immoral. Your views are outdated. For something to be immoral, it has to be wrong. I have yet to see a reason why homosexuality is wrong, that i couldn't easily refute.

Now onto your lifestyle comment. Homosexuality is not a choice. Just like you don't choose the color of your skin, you cannot choose whom you are sexually attracted to. If you can, sorry, but you are not heterosexual, you are bi-sexual. Virtually all major psychological and medical experts agree that sexual orientation is NOT a choice. Most gay people will tell you its not a choice. Common sense will tell you its not a choice. While science is relatively new to studying homosexuality, studies tend to indicate that its biological.

Lol, now onto your "lesbians will prey on straight women" Sorry, but don't flatter yourselves. 80% of the men i see i would not want to see naked, and i'm gay. Same with the lesbians. Don't think just because you are straight, you will get hit on by a gay dude. We have standards too :)

And it's funny you mention sodomy in your final sentence. Insecure much?

It is interesting that some people want to relate the repeal of DADT to Holly Graf, because the commonality is there, but not for the reasons espoused. Any person who understands what the military stands for and is run by, understands that the sad case of Captain Graf was a failure of leadership on the part of her superiors, all the way along her career. The system was in place to make sure that cases like hers were halted a long time before she was removed from Command. Her superiors failed to take the appropriate action because it was the easier thing to do.

Leadership is more than putting on a uniform and standing in front of the troops at morning colors.

The repeal of DADT will suffer the same individual failures, but as a whole, I believe that its real success will be born on the shoulders of those leaders that do the right thing.

We all should try to do the right thing because it is right, not avoid doing it because it is to hard. This is why the argument about delaying repeal because we are in two wars makes little sense. If it is the right thing to do, then it should be done, no matter what the circumstance.

There will be isolated cases of “extreme actions” by some, and there may even be legal challenges brought but disgruntled individuals who think they are owed something, but this has been the case with almost every move forward in the military and society. The vast majority of gay and straight members of our military will do what is expected of them, and the repeal of DADT will have no impact on their performance. For the other isolated cases, the system will deal with them in the proper way; as long as leadership does it’s job and evaluates performance with no influence based on sexual orientation, gender, religion or color of skin.

On Wednesday it will become the law of the land, and those who are sworn to uphold those laws will have to perform as they are directed, and will still have to continue to perform all of their other duties to the best of their ability. That may require taking a stand on performance issues that will not be accepted by all. This includes not recommending a service member for promotion when others feel he/she is qualified, and even recommending someone when others think there is “political correctness” and affirmative action at work. It is about performance and leadership. If a leader does not have the internal fortitude to stand on his beliefs, then he/she is not much of a leader.

THIS IS A NATIONAL DISGRACE. I WILL NEVER WEAR MY UNIFORM AGAIN. 38 YEARS OF MILITARY SERVICE AND NOW I AM ASHAMED OF THOSE WHO WOULD SHARE IT WITH THE PERVERSE AND THE CORRUPT. THEY DO NOT HOLD MY IDEALS NOR MY MORALS AS A CHRISTIAN AMERICAN. MILLIONS OF AMERICANS ABORE THEIR NATIONAL LEADERS NOW. ASHAMED OF WHAT THEY HAVE BECOME. WE ARE BECOMING A LEADERLESS SOCIETY AND THE COMING ONSLAUGHT OF TOTAL CHAOS AND LAWLESSNESS. THE LEFT RULING WILL RUE THE DAY WITH THIS PASSING. PERVERTS SHALL BE BROUGHT ONTO GOD'S CARPET

Homosexuality is not a sin according to the Bible. Scholars who have studied the Bible in context of the times and in relation to other passages have shown those passages (Leviticus, Corinthians, Romans, etc) have nothing to do with homosexuality. These passages often cherry-picked while ignoring the rest of the Bible. The sins theses passages are referring to are idolatry, prostitution, and rape, not homosexuality.

Homosexuality is not a choice. Just like you don't choose the color of your skin, you cannot choose whom you are sexually attracted to. If you can, sorry, but you are not heterosexual, you are bi-sexual. Virtually all major psychological and medical experts agree that sexual orientation is NOT a choice. Most gay people will tell you its not a choice. Common sense will tell you its not a choice. While science is relatively new to studying homosexuality, studies tend to indicate that its biological.

There is overwhelming scientific evidence that homosexuality is not a choice. Sexual orientation is generally a biological trait that is determined pre-natally, although there is no one certain thing that explains all of the cases. "Nurture" may have some effect, but for the most part it is biological.

And it should also be noted that:
"It is worth noting that many medical and scientific organizations do believe it is impossible to change a person's sexual orientation and this is displayed in a statement by American Academy of Pediatrics, American Counseling Association, American Association of School Administrators, American Federation of Teachers, American Psychiatric Association, American Psychological Association, American School Health Association, Interfaith Alliance Foundation, National Association of School Psychologists, National Association of Social Workers, and National Education Association."

The National Library of Medicine pubs confirm that sexual orientation is natural, biologically induced in the first trimester of pregnancy, morally neutral, immutable, neither contagious nor learned, bearing no relation to an individuals ability to form deep and lasting relationships, to parent children, to work or to contribute to society.

From the American Psychological Association: homosexuality is normal; homosexual relationships are normal.

The American Academy of Pediatrics, American Psychological Asociation and American Psychiatric Asociation have endorsed civil marriage for same-sex couples because marriage strengthens mental and physical health and longevity of couples, and provides greater legal and financial security for children, parents and seniors.

"Do we really need to hear from Tony Perkins and other hate group leaders? Can't we move past the garbage they spew?

Posted by: emcglaughlin | December 18, 2010 1:21 PM"

I find it hilarious how angry some of you posters are at Tony Perkins's comments. Every other person quoted above supported repeal of DADT, yet you spend all your time berating the one naysayer. That's so typical of liberals: they always preach diversity and tolerance, yet they CAN'T STAND IT when just one person rains on their parade. Repealing DADT is just one more way the immoral homo community is imposing its sick agenda on America. The military will never be the same. Congratulations on your "victory."

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